The QS World University Rankings 2027 were released on June 18, 2026, by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds. These rankings assess universities based on several indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, faculty strength, internationalisation, and graduate employability. This year, India's premier institutions delivered a strong performance, with multiple Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) featuring among the world's leading universities.
How Top Indian Institutions Ranked in QS World University Rankings 2027
Here is a summary of the top Indian institutions and their global ranks, overall scores, and key strengths:
- IIT Delhi – Global Rank: 118; Overall Score: Not specified; Key Strength: Strong gains in employer reputation, employability, and research impact.
- IIT Bombay – Global Rank: 134; Overall Score: 63.9; Key Strength: Employer Reputation (97.8).
- IIT Madras – Global Rank: 170; Overall Score: 59.3; Key Strength: Research Impact (95.3 citations score).
- IIT Kharagpur – Global Rank: 205; Overall Score: 55.1; Key Strength: Research Output and Global Research Network.
- IISc Bangalore – Global Rank: 221; Overall Score: 53.8; Key Strength: Research Excellence.
- IIT Kanpur – Global Rank: 221; Overall Score: 53.8; Key Strength: Employer Reputation and Employment Outcomes.
- IIT Roorkee – Global Rank: 335; Overall Score: 42.9; Key Strength: Research Impact (98 citations score).
- IIT Guwahati – Global Rank: 349; Overall Score: 41.9; Key Strength: Research Performance and Employer Recognition.
IIT Delhi Tops the List of Indian Institutes
IIT Delhi emerged as the highest-ranked Indian institution in the latest rankings, securing the 118th position globally. The institute advanced by five positions compared to the previous year and tied with the best ever ranking position attained by any Indian institute in QS Rankings history. The institution made considerable improvements in Employer Reputation, Employment Outcome, and Citations per Faculty, indicating increased recognition from employers and researchers worldwide. Over the past four years, IIT Delhi has advanced 79 ranks, from 197th in 2024 to 118th in 2027. This success reinforces IIT Delhi's position as India's premier institute in engineering and technology.
IIT Bombay Remains a Global Powerhouse
IIT Bombay secured the 134th position globally with an overall score of 63.9. The institute achieved an exceptional Employer Reputation score of 97.8, reflecting its strong industry connections. It also scored well in other areas, maintaining its status as a top engineering institution in India.
IIT Madras Continues Upward Journey
IIT Madras was ranked 170th globally with a total score of 59.3. Its most prominent feature was research impact, evidenced by a high Citations per Faculty score of 95.3. The university also scored 87.4 in Employer Reputation and 52.2 in International Research Network. This ranking confirms IIT Madras's reputation as one of India's best engineering universities with a focus on research.
IIT Kharagpur Holds Strong Position
IIT Kharagpur placed 205th globally with a score of 55.1. It achieved a very high Citations per Faculty score of 96.3, among the highest in India. The institute scored 85 in Employer Reputation and 69.4 in International Research Network, highlighting its rising influence in research and academic collaborations.
IIT Kanpur Maintains Global Presence
IIT Kanpur secured a joint rank of 221 globally with an overall score of 53.8. The institute recorded strong Employer Reputation (88.3) and Employment Outcomes (60.3), indicating solid industry recognition. Its research profile remained strong with a Citations per Faculty score of 81. IIT Kanpur continues to be one of India's most respected institutions for engineering and technological education.
IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati Stay in Global Rankings
IIT Roorkee secured the 335th position globally with an overall score of 42.9. Its strongest performance came in research impact, achieving an outstanding Citations per Faculty score of 98. It also maintained a Sustainability score of 72.1. Meanwhile, IIT Guwahati ranked 349th globally with an overall score of 41.9. The institute posted strong Citations per Faculty (91.5) and Employer Reputation (71.7), reflecting its growing national and international visibility.
